Open Connections

We continue to feature our upcoming graduates! Seda has been at Open Connections since she was four. As she prepares for the next step in her educational journey, she reflects on how Open Connections helped to prepare her for that transition. We are thankful to have had Seda as part of our community and excited to see what is next! . #OpenConnectionsGraduate #OpenConnectionsGraduation #OpenConnections #SelfDirected #SelfDirectedLearner

This week, as we prepare for our graduation ceremony, we want to highlight our upcoming graduates. Today, Owen, a youth in programming at Open Connections since 2007, shares some of his fond memories of Open Connections. We are so grateful for the time that Owen has shared with us and look forward to seeing what comes next in his life's journey! . #OpenConnectionsGraduate #OpenConnectionsGraduation #OpenConnections #SelfDirected

Tutorial I facilitators organized a Friday field trip (on their day off) to "Brandywine Red Clay Alliance" to further their hands-on research of the "Native Americans" and their way of life. Thank you to Jane and Linda (Tutorial I Facilitators) and Alexa (from the Brandywine Red Clay Alliance) for a fantastic educational experience! #naturebasedlearning #nativeamerican #nativeplants #learningtogether #handsonlearning #fieldtripfriday #selfdirectedlearning #outdoorlife #nature

We are delighted to welcome our new Assistant Director, Sarah Becker, to our OC family! As the Assistant Director, Sarah will be working to further the mission of Open Connections through her work, primarily focused on Admissions, Marketing, Development, and Information Technology. Sarah is no stranger to the world of self-directed education. Her early influences were as an undergraduate when she was helping care for youth in a self-directed family. Sarah comes to us from Vil...lanova University where she has been working in information technology for the last 8 years, focusing primarily on multimedia production and marketing. Sarah herself is a lifelong learner who has continued her education most recently through earning two master's degrees, one in Peace and Justice (with a focus on making self-directed education accessible to more families) and the other in Public Administration (with a focus on non-profit management). Sarah is involved with supporting self-directed learners in the Philadelphia area, including her own youth. She currently serves on the boards of two self-directed learning organizations, the Philly Free School and Philly ALC, and has been involved with several initiatives, from fundraising to marketing and beyond.

LOOK WHO JOINED US ON CAMPUS TODAY!!! #babygoats #babygoatsarethecutest #babyanimals #RowdyCrowdFarmatOPENCONNECTIONS

All is quiet here on campus this Monday afternoon, and this little lady is making a visit by the pond. #nature #wildlife #outdooreducation #openconnections #learningtogether

Missing being on campus! Some early shots from our short time on campus, masked, social distanced, but in person! #wearamask #homeschool #partnershipeducation #openconnections #insectsofinstagram #learningthroughplay #ocinthewild #exploringnaturewithchildren #explorepennsylvania #momswithcameras #maskup

Everyone who worked on a felted creatie made magic! How is this possible? I didn’t photograph everyone, so share yours and we will share in stories (and save in highlights!) Thanks @artmomvita for your guidance! open_connections #needlefelting #needlefelt #feltedanimals #craftparty #homeschoolfamilylife #homeschoolfamilies #wearamask #thatsdarling #everexploring #lovelifeoutside #homeschoolclassroom #felting #feltingwool #craftswithkids #communityday #getoutside #explorepennsylvania #openconnections #familytime #familytrails #alternativeschools

Yesterday’s community day was magical! We planted bulbs, made cider, had a portfolio share and discussion, got some goodie bags for the next week of virtual learning, and made felted animals! What an incredible community this is! Thank you everyone for sharing your knowledge and materials!

Part 1: Families donated marigold flowers, pokeberries, and goldenrod and we harvested phragmites from the OC property. Youth were also given the option to add turmeric to their jar if they wanted a yellow/gold color. The colored parts of the plants were separated from the stems by the youth.

If you've never had pine needle tea (before yesterday I'd never had pine needle tea), then it is time to treat yourself and your family! Find the nearest Eastern White Pine Tree, gather some pine needles, cut them up and put them in a tea strainer, pour hot water over them, add honey and enjoy! We also made pine needle baskets. ... Thanks to @mossandmineral for all of these simple wonders, and @openconnections for allowing us to meet up, safely, after hours! by @thebrotherskent and @mossandmineral

Youth in the Group Tutorial II program explored with plants and color creating beautiful natural dyes from marigold, goldenrod, phragmites and pokeberry. It was a magical day when the young people pulled their fabric from the plant stuffed jars to find vibrant hues of gold and pink. #naturaldye #plantdyes #handsonlearning #experimentallearning #worldofplants #outdoorclassromm #playingwithplants